EP4113863A1 - Luminaire connectable to a telecommunication network - Google Patents

Abstract

The luminaire (10) is suitable for two-way wireless data communication, of the type comprising a main housing (12) delimiting a front wall (14) comprising a window (16) for light emission, a LIFI module (40) configured to emit and receive a beam of light modulated by data to be transmitted through the window (16) and housed in the main housing (12), the luminaire (10) further comprising an electrical power socket connectable to a network of external power supply. The luminaire comprises a PLC module (50) comprising a port electrically connected to said socket configured to transmit and receive a high frequency data signal transiting on a line of the external electrical power supply network and an Ethernet port configured to transmit and receive data according to the Ethernet protocol respectively to and from the LIFI module (40).

Description

The present invention relates to the field of lighting and relates more particularly to a luminaire suitable for forming an optical data transmission relay in a telecommunications network such as the Internet network. It applies particularly, but not exclusively, to a floor-standing luminaire.

The present invention relates more particularly to a luminaire suitable for transmitting or receiving a stream of digital data according to a wireless communication protocol of the “Li-Fi” type.

A wireless communication protocol makes it possible to wirelessly link several computer devices within a computer network in order to allow the transmission of data between them.

Mention may be made, as a known wireless communication protocol of the prior art, of “Wi-Fi” governed by the “IEEE 802” standard relating to local networks based on the transmission of digital data. Wi-Fi makes it possible in particular to create a local wireless network with a transmission rate of approximately one gigabit per second, over a radius of several tens of meters, using radio waves of the electromagnetic spectrum.

Another wireless digital communication technique known from the prior art is that based on "Li-Fi" technology, abbreviation of "Light-Fidelity" according to the English terminology, which consists in using the optical part of the electromagnetic spectrum (visible or infrared spectrum) instead of the radio waves used in the context of Wi-Fi, to digitally broadcast multimedia content such as music or video, for example through the Internet network.

Communication according to the Li-Fi protocol consists of modulating the light intensity of a light-emitting diode source (frequently referred to by the acronym "LED" for "Light-Emitting Diode" in Anglo-Saxon terminology) connected to the Internet network. The switching capacities between an “on” state and an “off” state of an LED can go up to a billion times per second, which makes changes in the state of these LEDs undetectable by the human eye.

According to a simplified explanation, a sequence of on and off states of an LED makes it possible to create a digital stream corresponding to the input signal received by the luminaire connected to the Internet network. The switching capacity of very high frequency LEDs makes it possible to transmit sound, images, videos, or even to display the content of an Internet page on a digital communication terminal suitable for receive LiFi type data.

The advantages of the Li-Fi communication technique compared to the Wi-Fi communication technique are multiple.

Among these advantages, we can mention in particular the speed of data transmission by Li-Fi which is much higher than that achieved by WI-FI technology in that it can reach a speed greater than one gigabit per second, the fact by elsewhere that no radio waves, whose effects on health are still uncertain, are transmitted and finally the absence of interference between radio waves and the absence of electromagnetic interference.

In addition, the Li-Fi communication protocol advantageously makes it possible to unclog the 2.4 GigaHertz frequency band used to date by almost all wireless communication protocols.

In addition, the applications of Li-Fi communication technology are numerous. For example, this technology can be used in public places or spaces such as roads, parks, museums, stations, etc. or private spaces such as shops but also in professional environments. For example, it is possible thanks to Li-Fi technology to combine both the lighting of a painting in a museum and the broadcasting of content relating to this painting.

There is therefore a need to develop various form factors of luminaires connectable to a network according to Li-Fi technology which make it possible to respond to the various applications already covered by conventional lighting devices.

The integration of Li-Fi technology according to the different form factors of lighting devices can prove to be particularly complex, even unsuitable. Indeed, to integrate Li-Fi technology, it is necessary to provide a location in the luminaire to receive the Li-Fi module. This Li-Fi module generally consists of a Li-Fi transmitter and a Li-Fi receiver and forms a relatively bulky electronic component, its integration into the lighting device being the source of new dimensioning constraints.

The installation of such luminaires for tertiary applications proves to be relatively easy since office buildings are generally equipped with false ceilings.

The constraints for domestic use are more numerous because conventional homes generally do not include an RJ45 type socket on the ceiling or even at ground level and the use of WIFI is therefore widely preferred to cover all the rooms of the house.

An object of the present invention is to provide a luminaire suitable for bidirectional data communication by light according to LiFi technology that is ergonomic and simple to use for a user in his home.

To this end, the subject of the invention is in particular a luminaire suitable for communication wireless data bidirectional, of the type comprising a main receiver box with main axis X delimiting a front opening, a light source arranged in the box to emit a beam of visible light through the front opening and a socket power supply of at least the lighting source connectable to an external power supply network, characterized in that the luminaire comprises a LIFI module configured to emit and receive a beam of infrared light modulated by data to be transmitted to the through the opening, housed in the main housing and a PLC module, electrically coupled to said socket, configured to transmit and receive a high frequency data signal transiting on a line of the external power supply network and in that the luminaire comprises a rear cover extending the main housing from a rear wall of the housing and being sized to house the PLC module, the mods CPL and LIFI ules being coupled, for data communication, through an opening in the back wall.

Thanks to the invention, the user can use the luminaire in all the rooms of his home equipped with a conventional electrical power outlet. The luminaire discreetly and aesthetically integrates light communication equipment via the Internet network without resorting to the use of WIFI.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LIFI module delimits a front face provided with a cell for transmitting and receiving the infrared light beam arranged in a manner substantially centered along the axis.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminaire comprises an annular plate for diffusing the beam of visible light delimiting a peripheral outer edge which substantially matches an internal contour of a cross section of the housing and an inner edge substantially surrounding the cell of the LIFI module.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the diffusing plate extends substantially in a transverse plane of the box recessed relative to a front end edge of the box, for example halfway up the box.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminaire comprises an interior masking bezel provided with elements for fixing to the diffuser plate and dimensioned to extend along the internal edge of the plate.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the LIFI module has the general shape of a disk provided laterally with an Ethernet port coming laterally to receive an Ethernet connector and the masking collar is configured to at least partially conceal the connector.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the main housing comprises a peripheral wall generally of generally frustoconical shape provided with a top forming a back wall from which the cover projects outwardly, the back wall comprises a through opening for passage of a connection cable from the PLC module to the LIFI module extending inside the case.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cover has a generally cylindrical shape.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminaire comprises a foot formed by a hollow tube through which extends a power supply cable electrically connecting the PLC module to said socket.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the luminaire comprises a POE type power injector interface module, coupling the PLC module and the LIFI module, comprising power Ethernet wiring.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the housing comprises an elongated support extending longitudinally in internal projection from a rear wall of the housing, the LIFI module being mounted in a remote manner relative to the rear wall at the free end of the bracket.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the visible light illumination source extends around the support.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the light source comprises a flexible strip of light-emitting diodes wrapped around the support.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the support has the general shape of a coil having two disc-shaped end faces interconnected by a hollow tube.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the inner surface of the housing is substantially reflective to visible light.

• [Fig.1] : la [Fig.1] représente un schéma fonctionnel d'une architecture de communication comprenant un luminaire selon l'invention ;
• [Fig.2] : la [Fig.2] est une vue en perspective de trois quart avant du luminaire selon l'invention représenté schématiquement sur la [Fig.1] ;
• [Fig.3] : la [Fig.3] est une vue en perspective de face du luminaire de la [Fig.2] ;
• [Fig.4] : la [Fig.4] est une vue partielle en perspective éclatée à échelle agrandie du luminaire de la [Fig.2] ;
• [Fig.5] : la [Fig.5] est une vue en perspective et en transparence du luminaire de la [Fig.1] ;
• [Fig.6] : la [Fig.6] est une vue partielle en perspective et à échelle d'une partie intérieure du luminaire ;
• [Fig.7] : la [Fig.7] est une vue partielle et en perspective de face du luminaire de la [Fig.2] ;
• [Fig.8] : la [Fig.8] est un schéma électrique du fonctionnement du luminaire.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear in the light of the following description, made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

• [ Fig.1 ] : the [ Fig.1 ] represents a block diagram of a communication architecture comprising a luminaire according to the invention;
• [ Fig.2 ] : the [ Fig.2 ] is a three-quarter front perspective view of the luminaire according to the invention shown schematically in [ Fig.1 ];
• [ Fig.3 ] : the [ Fig.3 ] is a front perspective view of the [ Fig.2 ];
• [ Fig.4 ] : the [ Fig.4 ] is an enlarged partial perspective exploded view of the luminaire in the [ Fig.2 ];
• [ Fig.5 ] : the [ Fig.5 ] is a view in perspective and in transparency of the luminaire of the [ Fig.1 ];
• [ Fig.6 ] : the [ Fig.6 ] is a partial perspective view to scale of an interior part of the luminaire;
• [ Fig.7 ] : the [ Fig.7 ] is a partial and perspective front view of the luminaire of the [ Fig.2 ];
• [ Fig.8 ] : the [ Fig.8 ] is an electrical diagram of the operation of the luminaire.

We have represented schematically on the [ Fig.1 ] a communication architecture comprising a Li-Fi communication assembly according to the invention for the transmission of data by light with a remote terminal. This communication architecture is designated by the general reference 100 and the LIFI communication assembly is designated by the general reference 110.

The communication assembly 110 comprises a luminaire 10 and a remote terminal 120 which will be described in detail below. On the [ Fig.1 ], three luminaires 10 have been shown. In the remainder of the description, only one of the three luminaires will be described.

In accordance with the invention, the luminaire 10 is part of the wireless communication assembly 110 connectable to a telecommunications network 130. The telecommunications network 130 may comprise an Internet network, an Intranet network, an Ethernet network or any other type communication network.

In this example, the telecommunications network 130 is the Internet network and the network communication protocol is the TCP/IP communication protocol.

In a manner known per se, the Internet network is a global computer network representing the interconnection between a plurality of remote servers. The Internet network 130 can comprise a plurality of associated services such as a Web service, a messaging service, a peer-to-peer file sharing service, a videoconference service. Generally, these different services communicate for example with the TCP/IP protocol. Of course, as a variant, the wireless communication set 110 can be connected to a local Intranet network.

The remote terminal 120 is in the example described an electronic tablet 120A. Alternatively, remote terminal 120 may be a cell phone 120B, or a work computer 120C, etc.

In the example described, the communication assembly 110 is able to operate the data communication with the remote terminal 120 according to a theoretical rate greater than one gigabit per second, preferably greater than seven gigabits per second.

Generally, as very schematically illustrated on the example of the [ Fig.1 ], each remote terminal 120 is equipped with a LIFI key 122 (designated in English by the terminology “dongle”). The Li-Fi key 122 comprises, in the example illustrated, a photoreceiver 122A for receiving a data signal from the luminaires 10, a unit 122B for transmitting a data signal generated from the terminal 120 and a unit 122C for processing transmitted or received data signals.

There is also shown on the architecture 100 an electrical power supply network 140 such as the domestic network of a dwelling.

In accordance with the invention, the luminaire 10 is suitable for two-way wireless data communication.

In the example shown in [ Fig.2 ], the luminaire 10 is a standing luminaire. This luminaire 10 comprises for example a base 20 and a foot 22 in the general shape of a longitudinal rod mounted at one of its ends 22A on the base 20 and supporting at the other of its ends 22B a luminaire body 12.

According to the invention, the body 12 of the luminaire 10 comprises a main receiving box 14 defining a main axis X and delimiting a front opening 16. For example, the box 14 has the general shape of a bowl defining a frustoconical peripheral wall 14P, a dorsal wall 14D and an open front wall 14F delimiting the front opening 16.

The luminaire 10 further comprises a light source 18 arranged inside the housing 14 to emit a beam of visible light through the front opening 16. It is noted that, on the [ Fig.6 ], the light source 18 comprises a plurality of light-emitting diodes 24, for example in the form of a flexible ribbon 26 of light-emitting diodes 24. The luminaire 10 comprises a diffuser 28, for example extending substantially at the level of the lighting window 16 (front opening 16) to provide an improvement in the homogeneity of the lighting in visible light.

According to the invention, the luminaire 10 comprises a LIFI module 40 configured to emit and receive a beam of infrared light modulated by data to be transmitted through the opening 16.

Advantageously, this luminaire 10 forms an optical relay for bidirectional data transmission between the LIFI module 40 adapted to the emission and/or reception of an IR infrared light beam modulated by data to be transmitted according to the LIFI technology and a remote terminal 120. The principle of LIFI technology is based in a way that is well known per se on the coding and sending of data via the amplitude modulation of an infrared or visible light source (scintillation imperceptible to the eye) , according to a well-defined and standardized protocol.

Within the meaning of the present invention, infrared light is understood to mean light with wavelengths comprised in the near infrared radiation spectrum comprised for example between about 700 to 1000 nanometers up to 2500 nanometers.

In accordance with the invention, this LIFI module 40 is suitable for transmitting and/or receiving an IR infrared light beam modulated by data to be transmitted according to a downlink signal from the telecommunications network 130 to the remote terminal 120 or according to an uplink signal from the remote terminal 120 to the telecommunications network 130. The IR infrared light beam comprises wavelengths greater than, for example, 850 nanometers and preferably between 850 nanometers and 950 nanometers.

In the example illustrated in the figure, the LIFI module 40 is in the form of a box 42 comprising a connector element 44 for connection to the telecommunications network 130. In particular, the LIFI module 40 is housed in the main box 14 and delimits a front face 46, opposite the front opening 16, provided with a cell 48 for transmitting and receiving the infrared light beam. The cell 48 is furthermore arranged in a substantially centered manner along the X axis. The LIFI module 40 in this example has the general shape of a disk provided laterally with an Ethernet port coming laterally to receive an Ethernet connector.

This LIFI module 40 further comprises an emitter of a signal modulated by data to be transmitted comprising for example a light source emitting in the infrared spectrum. The LIFI module 40 also comprises a receiver of a signal modulated by data to be transmitted comprising a photoreceptor sensitive to infrared light.

In general, the generic LIFI module 40 comprises an electronic card on which are mounted a certain number of electronic components grouped into a LIFI reception module to form the LIFI receiver, a LIFI transmission module to form the LIFI transmitter and again a data signal processing module (not shown). Such a processing module makes it possible, in this example, to process so-called uplink or downlink data signals, according to at least one communication protocol of the telecommunications network.

Conventionally, the luminaire 10 also comprises an electrical power supply socket (not shown in the figures) for at least the lighting source 18, which can be connected to the external electrical power supply network 140 via a line 114 power supply.

Furthermore, in order to integrate the dual function of lighting and communication by light without inconveniencing the user, the diffuser 28 is in the form of an annular plate delimiting a peripheral outer edge which substantially conforms to an internal contour of a cross section of the housing 14 and an internal edge substantially surrounding the cell of the LIFI module.

Preferably, the luminaire 10 further comprises a PLC module 50 comprising a port electrically connected to said socket configured to transmit and receive a high frequency data signal transiting on a line of the external power supply network 140 and an Ethernet port configured to transmit and receiving data according to the Ethernet protocol respectively to and from the LIFI module 40.

In a manner known per se, the technology of transmission by Power Line Carrier Currents uses the distribution network as a communication infrastructure for transporting digital information. It consists of superimposing the electric current low frequency (typically in Europe 50Hz or 60Hz in the USA) a higher frequency, lower energy signal. This high frequency signal is propagated along the lines of an electrical installation (for example the electrical supply network 140 of a dwelling). When it is received by PLC reception equipment (such as PLC module 50), commonly called "modem" of the electrical network considered, this analog signal can be decoded, in the form of a stream of bits, so that the data it conveys are returned to an appropriate terminal (here one of the remote terminals 120).

To this end, the luminaire 10 further comprises a rear cover 30 extending the main casing 14 from the back wall 14D of the casing 14 and being sized to house the PLC module 50.

As seen in the [ Fig.4 ], the main housing 14 comprises the peripheral wall 14P generally of generally frustoconical shape provided with a vertex forming the back wall 14D from which the cover 30 projects externally. According to the invention, the back wall 14D of the housing 14 comprises a through opening for passage of a connection cable from the PLC module 50 to the LIFI module 40 extending inside the casing 14. Preferably, the cover 30 has a generally cylindrical shape. The back wall 14D of the box 14 is for example pierced with a hole of sufficient diameter for the passage of an electric or communication cable via the Internet protocol.

The luminaire 10 further comprises a mounting bracket 32 in the general shape of a U intended to be attached preferably to the outside of the back wall 14D of the housing 14 by its ends. The cover 30 is preferably mounted by force on the stirrup 32 which retains the cover 30 from the inside.

Furthermore, as is clear from the [ Fig.2 ], the body 12 of the luminaire 10 is mounted at the end 22B of the foot 22 by means of a hoop 34 with two branches which retain the cylindrical cover 30 by conventional fastening means mounted at the end of each of the branches of the arch 34.

The foot 22 is formed for example by a hollow tube through which extends a power supply cable electrically connecting the PLC module 50 to said socket.

In addition, in the example described and schematically illustrated in [ Fig.8 ], the luminaire 10 comprises a POE type injection interface module 70, coupling the CPL module 50 and the LIFI module 40, comprising power Ethernet wiring 72 provided with a connector tip 74 (visible on the [ Fig.6 ]). The luminaire 10 further comprises a module 80 for controlling the lighting source 18 comprising the plurality of light-emitting diodes 24.

For example, the control module 80 is commonly designated according to the English terminology “driver”. The control module 80 includes a "driver LED » 82 and a potentiometer 84. In a manner known per se, the potentiometer 84 comprises for example a variable resistor whose ohmic value is adjustable by means of a knob ([ Fig.4 ]) manipulated by a user of the luminaire 10 and allowing adjustment of the brightness of the LEDs of the lighting source 18.

We have represented schematically on the [ Fig.8 ], an electrical circuit for operating the electrical components of the luminaire 10. In this diagram, the PLC module 50, the POE injection module 70 and the light source control module 18 are connected in parallel. The electrical circuit further comprises terminals for connection to the electrical power supply network 140 via a switch 85 accessible on the luminaire 10 to turn off or on the electrical circuit.

In the example illustrated in the figures, it is noted that the diffusing plate 28 and the visible cell of the LIFI module 40 extend substantially in the same transverse plane of the casing 14 set back relative to a front end edge of the casing 14 , for example halfway up the housing 14 in the direction of the main axis.

For example, the housing 14 comprises an elongated support 90 extending longitudinally in internal projection from a back wall 14D of the housing 14, the LIFI module 40 being mounted offset from the back wall 14D on the end free of support 80.

Preferably, the illumination source 18 of visible light extends around the support 90. In the example illustrated in [ Fig.6 ], it can be seen that the flexible ribbon 26 of light-emitting diodes 24 is wound around the support 90. Preferably, the support 90 has the general shape of a coil having two disc-shaped end faces interconnected by a suitable hollow tube. for the passage of electrical cables.

Further, luminaire 10 includes a mounting collar 92 provided with releasable mounting elements 94 within the aperture of diffuser plate 28 and sized to substantially follow the inner edge.

Preferably, the fixing collar 92 is configured to at least partially hide the connector 74 which engages laterally on the LIFI module as clearly seen in the [ Fig.6 ].

Preferably, the inner surface of housing 14 is substantially reflective to visible light. The internal surface of the casing 14 behaves inside its volume as a multidirectional reflector of the visible light emitted by the lighting source 18, mainly by a phenomenon of multidirectional diffusion of the light emitted by the lighting source 18 For example, each light-emitting diode may comprise primary optics diffusing the light emitted by each of the diodes in a multidirectional manner which is reflected on the internal faces of the case 14.

A brief description will be given of the principle of operation of the communication assembly according to the invention.

The luminaire 10 of the invention can be installed in a conventional dwelling. For example, as the luminaire 10 is self-supporting, it can be positioned in any room of the house near a conventional mains socket. The luminaire 10 is then connected via a female socket to a male socket of the electrical installation 140 of the dwelling.

The user then settles under the halo of visible light. It is well understood that the invention makes it possible to integrate a Li-Fi technology in a luminaire 10 without harming either the quality of the homogeneity of the lighting or the overall perception of the luminaire 10 by a user.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Other embodiments within the reach of those skilled in the art can also be envisaged without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claims below. Thus, in particular, one would not depart from the scope of the invention by modifying the form of the detail of the luminaire.

Claims (15)

Luminaire (10) suitable for two-way wireless data communication, of the type comprising a main receiver box (14) with a main axis X delimiting a front opening (16), a light source (18) arranged in the (14) to emit a beam of visible light through the front opening (16) and a power supply socket of at least the lighting source (18) connectable to an external power supply network (140 ), characterized in that the luminaire (10) comprises a LIFI module (40) configured to emit and receive a beam of infrared light modulated by data to be transmitted through the opening (16), housed in the main housing ( 14) and a PLC module (50), electrically coupled to said socket, configured to transmit and receive a high frequency data signal transiting on a line of the external power supply network (140) and in that the luminaire (10) includes rear cover (30) prolo ntant the main housing (14) from a rear wall (14D) of the housing (14) and being sized to house the PLC module (50), the PLC modules (50) and LIFI (40) being coupled, for the data communication, through an opening in the back wall (14D). Luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the LIFI module (40) delimits a front face (46) provided with a cell (48) for transmitting and receiving the beam of infrared light arranged in a manner substantially centered along the axis (X). Luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, comprising an annular plate (28) for diffusing the visible light beam delimiting a peripheral outer edge coming to substantially match an internal contour of a cross section of the housing (14) and an inner edge substantially surrounding the cell (48) of the LIFI module (40). Luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the diffusing plate (28) extends substantially in a transverse plane of the casing (14) set back relative to a front end edge of the casing (14), for example at mid-height of the housing (14). A luminaire (10) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the luminaire (10) includes an interior masking bezel (92) provided with elements for attachment to the diffuser plate (28) and dimensioned to extend along the internal edge of the plate (28). Luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the LIFI module (40) has the general shape of a disk provided laterally with an Ethernet port (44) coming laterally to receive an Ethernet connector (74) and the masking collar (92) is configured to at least partially conceal the connector (74). Luminaire (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the main housing (14) comprises a peripheral wall (14P) generally of generally frustoconical shape provided with an apex forming a dorsal wall (14D) from which projects the cover (30) externally, the back wall (14D) comprises a through opening for passing a connection cable from the PLC module (50) to the LIFI module (40) extending inside the housing (14) . A luminaire (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the cover (30) has a generally cylindrical shape. Luminaire (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the luminaire (10) comprises a foot (22) formed by a hollow tube through which extends a power supply cable electrically connecting the PLC module (50 ) to said outlet. Luminaire (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a POE-type power injector interface module (70), coupling the PLC module (50) and the LIFI module (40), comprising Ethernet cabling power. A luminaire (10) according to any preceding claim, wherein the housing (14) includes an elongate support (90) extending longitudinally inwardly projecting from a back wall (14D) of the housing (14), the LIFI module (40) being mounted remotely relative to the back wall (14D) at the free end of the support (90). A luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the visible light illumination source extends around the support (90). Luminaire (10) according to the preceding claim, in which the light source (18) comprises a flexible strip (26) of light-emitting diodes (24) wrapped around the support (90). Luminaire (10) according to any one of Claims 11 to 13, in which the support (90) has the general shape of a coil having two end faces in the form of a disc connected to one another by a hollow tube. Luminaire (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the housing (14) is substantially reflective to visible light.

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